AstraZeneca and AC Health sign pact to expand clinical trial access in the Philippines

AstraZeneca Philippines and Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. have signed a partnership to strengthen clinical trial capabilities and expand patient access to innovative therapies. The agreement combines AstraZeneca's global research expertise with AC Health's hospital network and its subsidiary Health

Biopharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca Philippines and Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) have signed a pioneering partnership to strengthen clinical trial capabilities in the country and help Filipino patients access innovative therapies and high-quality clinical research.

In a statement released Monday, the partnership, enabled by a memorandum of understanding, brings together AstraZeneca’s global science and clinical research expertise with AC Health’s integrated hospital network and the reach and capabilities of its subsidiary, Healthway Medical Network (HMN).

“Our partnership is grounded in a simple belief: our patients should have greater access to high-quality clinical research and innovative treatments,” Lotis Ramin, country president of AstraZeneca Philippines, said in a statement. “By bringing safe, high-quality clinical trials closer to Filipino communities, AstraZeneca’s partnership with AC Health can expand patient access, strengthen local research, and improve standards of care,” she added.

Under the agreement, HMN will assess participating institutions’ infrastructure, clinical capabilities, and readiness. It will also identify suitable sites and stakeholders while supporting feasibility and capacity building. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca will share relevant trial opportunities, provide technical expertise and training, support site readiness and accreditation, and align potential studies with facility capabilities.

Apart from introducing new technologies and programs, the partnership will also allow hospitals and physicians to participate directly in clinical research while fulfilling the vision of transforming health for every Filipino, Rafael Jaime V. Recio, chief strategy and investment officer of AC Health, said.

AstraZeneca is the country’s number one clinical trial collaborator, the release said, noting that it has more than 30 ongoing clinical trials and has invested more than P3 billion in local clinical research over the last six years. HMN, meanwhile, has footprints in Metro Manila and nationwide, including full-service and specialty hospitals such as Healthway Cancer Care Hospital.